2015 Lincoln Mkz

Routine

Owners filed 82 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 11 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

46 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 20,00030,000 miles; the median is 59,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes9
100
Electrical System9
000
Back Over Prevention9
000
Steering8
000
Air Bags7
000
Unknown or Other5
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
000
Engine4
000
Visibility/Wiper3
000
Structure › Body3
000

11 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera25V695000
Filed Oct 13, 20251,448,655 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Risk. A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings23V162000
Filed Mar 10, 20231,280,726 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

Risk. A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages22V011000
Filed Jan 13, 2022199,085 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 Mustang vehicles originally sold or ever registered, in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Hawaii. Exposure to certain environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, high humidity, and salt air can cause the brake pedal bumper to corrode and separate from the brake pedal.

Risk. A separated brake pedal bumper can cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously, causing confusion to other drivers and increasing the risk of a crash. On automatic transmission vehicles, a missing brake pedal bumper can allow the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the brake pedal bumpers and clutch pedal bumpers, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 13, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S02.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights20E025000
Filed Apr 24, 2020130 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Replacement Headlamps, part number DP5Z-13008-T and DP5Z-13008-V, sold for use with 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The headlamps may have an improper beam pattern and incorrect horizontal adjustment, the side markers may not illuminate and DOT markings may be missing. As such, these headlamps fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk. The incorrect headlamps may reduce the driver's visibility or make the vehicle less visible, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify vehicle manufacturers, and dealers will inspect the headlamps, and replace the headlamps, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Ford will instruct dealers to return all improper headlamps and not to install them on any vehicles. The recall began June 3, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C10.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch20V177000
Filed Mar 23, 2020288,110 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fiesta, 2014-2016 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

Risk. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and Ford or Lincoln dealers will replace the side door latches, free of charge. The recall began September 21, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System19V632000
Filed Aug 29, 2019116,160 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.

Risk. If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S26.

Seat Belts › Front19V590000
Filed Aug 12, 2019103,374 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. In the event of a crash, heat from the deployment of a seat belt pretensioner may cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail.

Risk. A failed seat belt anchor cable cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S25. Note: This recall is an expansion of a recall 16V-875.

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar18V167000
Filed Mar 12, 20181,301,986 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.

Risk. A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.

Seat Belts › Front16V875000
Filed Dec 5, 2016603,392 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured November 2, 2012, to July 31, 2014, and 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured November 14, 2012, to July 31, 2014. In the event of a crash, heat from the deployment of a seat belt pretensioner may cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail.

Risk. If the driver or front passenger seatbelt cables cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, they would be at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable, free of charge. The recall began May 16, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S42.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System15V250000
Filed Apr 28, 2015487,301 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to March 20, 2015, and 2015 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015, and originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, snow or water containing road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.

Risk. If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist. Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply sealer and replace the steering gear motor bolts as required. If one or more of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S14.

Showing 10 of 11 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Back Over Prevention
Filed Sep 2, 202690,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image intermittently operated as needed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Steering
Filed Sep 2, 2026160,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact became aware that the steering wheel was loose. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that there was a recall associated with the failure, however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring for approximately two years. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Aug 20, 202659,000 milesNM

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera intermittently displayed a distorted image and the message "Camera Unavailable - Please Contact the Dealer" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Aug 13, 202679,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera intermittently displayed a distorted image, and the message "Camera Unavailable - Please Contact the Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Back Over Prevention › Warnings
Filed Aug 8, 2026TX

While in reverse of my vehicle, the back-up camera display either goes completely black, displays an error message or glitches turning itself on/off at random. Referencing recall “25v695“ this recall has been on notice with no follow up since I received the notification letter on October 2025. This is a very high safety risk when in reverse potentially causing a crash with other vehicles, striking nearby objects or worse.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Aug 7, 2026ID

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 9, 2026NJ

Rearview camera is displaying a distorted image and is sometimes black, with no image, when reversing. This happened for about a month until I paid for replacing the rearview camera. I want to be reimbursed but no parts are available for over 9 months and I can’t get a refund unless parts are available. This is way beyond a reasonable amount of time.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Jun 9, 202670,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera occasionally displayed a distorted image while in Reverse(R). No warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Steering
Filed May 1, 2026OH

My vehicle experienced a sudden Electric Power Steering (EPS) failure resulting in loss of steering assist. The dealer confirmed the EPS rack failed and stated this issue has occurred on other Ford vehicles. My VIN is not included in the existing EPS recall, but the symptoms and failure match the recalled vehicles exactly. The repair cost is approximately $5,400. This is a safety‑critical failure that occurred without warning and created a hazardous driving situation. I am requesting NHTSA review this issue for potential recall expansion. Was at a restaurant with my parents and family when the steering failed and had to have it towed to my house about an hour away. Took me several months to try and figure out how to get this repair as the first estimate was $3500, my parents decided to help us get it fixed as we depend on 2 cars, the dealer said the entire rack had to be replaced and now the cost is $5400.00

Steering
Filed Apr 9, 2026NJ

My car was involved with an accident regarding a pothole and had an immediate loss of electronic power steering upon impact. Upon inspection by multiple certified technicians and adjusters, they noticed corrosion around the same bolts related to a recall for the same vehicle, but a different model/lot production: 15S14/19S26. This was a known corrosion defect, which is allegedly now causing the same issue with this model vehicle, causing extremely dangerous driving conditions which could lead to potential major incidents such as these. This now makes me question every vehicle from Ford Lincoln, or steering component related assembly recalls from corrosion when hitting any kind of potholes or larger contact areas.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Mar 16, 2026100,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention displayed a brief image, nearly causing the vehicle to crash on several occasions. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Feb 12, 2026GA

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was distorted and foggy. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Jan 23, 2026GA

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact was advised of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the vehicle on the side appeared on the opposite side in the camera. The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the safe operation of the vehicle. Several unknown messages were displayed. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Jan 20, 2026134,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera was inoperable while in reverse(R). The dealer was contacted and related the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 2, 2026MI

Rear buckle incompatible with child booster seat, pressure has broken the buckle for the inflatable safety belts. Buckle housing has cracked open. This is a common complaint and should be a safety recall

Engine
Filed Dec 14, 2025FL

While driving vehicle the engine shut down for no apparent reason. Light came on said do not attempt to drive, not safe. Was able to get car to a safe area. Was able to restart and get the car home. Brought the car to the dealer, said battery was dead, found water in the truck where the battery is located

Steering
Filed Oct 3, 202592,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed into the garage, the steering column made a grinding sound while turning off the vehicle. The contact was unable to adjust the steering wheel up and down into position. An unknown dealer and a secondary dealer, Keller Ford (1073 Cadillac Ln, Hanford, CA 93230), were made aware of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 15, 2025MI

The electronic parking brake engages on its own and locks causing the rear tire to lock while driving which then causes friction and the tire to smoke heavily which could cause fire or bad accident. I have replaced caliper, caliper actuator, rotor, brake pad, wheel speed sensor, wheel bearing and nothing has fixed the issue

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 7, 2025NC

Back up camera not working Glitch and black screen

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 5, 2025IN

I noticed that Ford issued recalls for select 2015 vehicles in May for issues with the backup camera. I have a 2015 Lincoln MKZ that just started experiencing the same issues that were mentioned in the May 2025 Ford backup camera recall. My camera will work for the first few seconds while in reverse, then the screen will go black. It has happened all 4 times I have driven my car today and put it in reverse. I occasionally receive a message on my display screen to "contact my dealership." I have 3 children [XXX] , [XXX] and [XXX]) and it is extremely scary to back out of my driveway with the possibility that one of them could be back there and I would not be able to see them. I would be more than happy to provide my vehicle for inspection. I have not had time to take the vehicle into the dealership but I am hoping to do that within the next week. I did not receive any warning messages and no warning lights appeared. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20 of 82 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20202100Routine
201920100Routine
201833200Routine
2017138440Routine
201663700Routine
2015 — this page821100Routine
2014971400Routine
20131091320Routine
2012146620Do not drive
2011145730Do not drive
2010169900Do not drive
2009114700Do not drive
2008281500Do not drive
2007259532Do not drive
20060400Do not drive

Compare every Mkz year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 13, 2025. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.